Williams CEO Chad Zamarin called for a new soccer stadium and entertainment district in downtown Tulsa during the Hall of Fame ceremony Monday, Oct. 5.

"Let's build a soccer stadium, coupled with arts, entertainment, new businesses and a thriving and dense residential district in what today is a downtown footprint that has been stalled for too long," Zamarin told the audience at Southern Hills Country Club.

The remarks were the most public comments yet from a Williams executive about a proposed downtown transformation the Tulsa World first reportedA feasibility study completed in June 2026 estimates the first phase would cost more than $700 million and include an 8,000-seat multi-purpose stadium on the east side of north Denver Avenue, where Hiland Dairy once operated. Williams, FC Tulsa and the Mayor's Office all declined to comment when the Tulsa World broke the story in August.

Zamarin did not use the name Project Nexus at the ceremony, according to the Tulsa Flyer, which described his remarks as "appearing to reference" the proposal. Officials close to the proposal have said the name is not final.

FC Tulsa, which plays at ONEOK Field, sent out a public survey in September asking residents about a potential new stadium. The survey asked respondents to assume a 2029 opening, the Tulsa World reported. FC Tulsa declined to say whether the stadium in the survey is the same one in the proposal.

At the University of Tulsa's Friends of Finance luncheon in April, Zamarin signaled Williams's stakes in the city's future. He said the company should be headquartered where "that is the very best place for you to do your business" and warned that Tulsa needs to "start expecting and doing more" or risk losing companies and talent.

Hall of Fame honors six Tulsans

The ceremony also inducted Ken Busby, Reuben Gant, Elliot Nelson, Rodger and Judy Randle, and the late Gailard Sartain. Williams received the inaugural Travis Award, named for brothers Samuel and David Travis, who moved to Tulsa in 1914 and built wealth in the oil supply industry. Chad Zamarin accepted the award from David Goldenberg of the Museum of Tulsa History.

Among the inductees, Elliot Nelson, founder and CEO of the McNellie's Group, was recognized for launching 10 downtown restaurants and more than 25 concepts across the city. His company employs more than 1,000 people. Restaurateur Steve Mitchell called Nelson a "visionary" for opening a pub on an empty downtown street 22 years ago.

Gailard Sartain spent 20 seasons on "Hee Haw" and appeared in more than 40 movies. He died last year at age 81. His wife, Mary Jo Sartain, accepted the award on his behalf. Most Tulsans knew him as Dr. Mazeppa Pompazoidi from the early 1970s late-night show "The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting," which also starred Gary Busey.

Zamarin also told the audience he wants Williams to help the University of Tulsa reach 10,000 students by 2030.